Compass2Career - Information for professors

Funding Criteria

➡️ Who can apply to Compass2Career?

Master's students from all faculties at HTWK Leipzig who are still enrolled at the university for at least one year as of the program's start date (April 1, 2025) and are interested in both the career path of a university of applied sciences professor and in working in academia can apply.

➡️ What tasks could the WHK position include?

The tasks of a WHK (student research assistant) can vary depending on the subject area, research field, and the requirements of the professorship. At Compass2Career, we emphasize that students gain diverse insights into the scientific operations (research, teaching, and transfer) and gather valuable experiences in the process. Typical areas of responsibility for student research assistants include:

• Research support: WHKs can assist in various research activities, including data collection, data analysis, literature reviews, and work in laboratories/workshops
• Support for research proposals: Involvement in drafting significant sections of research proposals
• Support for the preparation of courses: For example, maintaining the OPAL platform and compiling teaching materials
• Support in the preparation of publications: In some cases, WHKs can assist in the preparation of research papers, reports, or other publications by gathering literature sources, writing, or formatting
• Networking: Networking with (junior) researchers within the faculty and HTWK Leipzig
• Event support: WHKs can assist in organizing larger events, such as conferences, congresses, or symposiums
• Individual career planning: Exploring potential (academic) career paths

Time Frame and Requirements

➡️ What is the time commitment for the WHK position?

The duration of the WHK position is two semesters or one year. During this time, the position can involve between 10-19 hours per week, depending on the needs of the project leader and the availability of the students. All career support activities within the program (workshops, networking events, and mentoring) also count as working hours.

➡️ How much time does it require to supervise a WHK within the “Compass2Career” framework?

In addition to discussing the content of tasks and the general supervision of the student, at least three mentoring sessions should take place. These focus on the WHK’s individual career planning, particularly concerning academic career options.

The project also aims to integrate the student research assistant into existing project teams to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer and effective collaboration. This includes providing a workspace and all necessary technical tools.

At the start of the program, a kick-off event will be held to facilitate mutual acquaintance and networking. Participation as a project leader is also desirable. The program concludes with a final evaluation.

Selection Process

➡️ What is the selection process for hiring a WHK?

The call for the WHK position will be published at the beginning of the winter semester 2024/25. After the application deadline on December 1, 2024, the applications received will be reviewed. After consulting with the project leader, the project coordinator will invite candidates for interviews in January 2025. The interviews will consist of the project leader, the project coordinator, and another faculty member (e.g., a staff member, equal opportunities officer, etc.). After a final decision, the selected student will be informed, and a hiring request will be submitted to the HR department. The WHK position will start on April 1, 2025.

Others

➡️ Who can I contact if there are issues during the WHK position?

We want to ensure that your time at Compass2Career is positive. Please contact the project coordinator of the Female Scientists Network if any problems or conflicts arise.